Relegated Charlton may fight Wednesday penalty
Charlton Athletic are considering taking legal action after Sheffield Wednesday were hit with a 12-point penalty for financial misconduct but had their punishment delayed until next season.
The English Football League has conducted a lengthy investigation after charging the Yorkshire club in November with breaching profitability and sustainability rules relating to the £60million sale of their Hillsborough stadium.
An independent disciplinary commission yesterday found them guilty and imposed a 12-point sanction, but ruled it would only come into effect next season.
A 12-point deduction this season would have relegated Wednesday. Charlton, who finished third from bottom, last night said they were consulting their lawyers, labelling the decision “irrational”.
“The club is considering a legal challenge,” Charlton said in a statement. “We fail to understand why the deduction will take place next season rather than the current season, which seems to be irrational, and are writing to the EFL to get an explanation of the justification.”
Wednesday had denied the charge, which related to “how and when” Hillsborough was sold, and its subsequent inclusion in the 2017-18 accounts when it was sold a year later. They also issued a counterclaim against the EFL for “acting unlawfully”.
The club, who finished eight points clear of the relegation zone, appeared in front of the three-person panel last month and the verdict was finally reached last night, with Wednesday saying they were “disappointed” with the outcome.
“The club is extremely disappointed that the commission has imposed a 12-point deduction and awaits the written reasons for this decision,” they said in a statement.
“The club welcomes the decision that the commission cleared Sheffield Wednesday of the charge of acting in bad faith in its dealings with the EFL. The club will await the written reasons for the sanction and upon receipt will consider the full detail with its legal advisers.”